Society’s Obsession With Virginity

Photo by Quaritsch Photography on Unsplash

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What’s crazy to me about society’s obsession with — specifically women’s — virginity is just how few women actually get to decide when their virginity is taken.

And the men who are taking it (especially when it is unwillingly, or with a huge maturity discrepancy) don’t seem to bear any consequences at all.

I don’t think men, in particular, realize just how damaging this narrative is.

Women being blamed for the crimes against them is still happening, today, in 2024. Even after the #MeToo movement. And even if it’s under the guise of virginity and body count shaming.

Religion makes it even worse.

I remember when my daughters first told me about the similes that were being used in their Sunday School classes. Unfortunately they were almost adults by the time I knew what they were being told.

You are a rose — once your petals have been plucked you are not as beautiful.

Your body is a temple — never let a man defile it.

And my personal favorite: You are a piece of chewing gum — once you have been chewed up…